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Use this form to book a Community hall or facility. You must read the following Conditions of hire prior to proceeding with your application. We are currently experiencing a longer than usual wait time for processing applications to hire Council managed community hall and facilities. Applications will take up to 15 working days to process, and they are processed in the order in which they are received. We do not currently have the capacity to process last minute applications for Council managed facilities.
Please factor in the processing time when submitting your application.
Click to Download the Community Facilities Bookings Form
Conditions of hire
1 Definitions
a) Council: Refers to Central Coast Council.
b) The Hirer: Refers to the person/organisation named on the agreement attached hereto.
c) The Facility: Refers to the facility named on the agreement attached hereto including the whole premises of the Facility, both internally and externally.
d) Business Days: Ordinary Council operating days excludes public holidays and weekends.
The Conditions of hire is entered into between Council and the Hirer. The Conditions of hire will commence from and continue to, the dates set out on the agreement attached hereto.
Council and the Hirer have agreed that the facility will be hired by the Hirer on the following terms and conditions.
2 The Hirer
a) The Hirer must be 21 years of age or over and must provide proof of age, when lodging an application to use the facility.
b) Hirers that are a Sporting Body, club, association, corporation or incorporated body and those that hire a Council facility for a commercial or profit making purpose must provide evidence of Public Liability insurance cover of at least $20 million. It is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure that insurance cover is maintained throughout the hire period and forward an updated Certificate of Currency to Council if the policy is renewed during the hire period.
c) The Hirer must provide at least one contact with a mobile phone and email address for communication purposes.
3 Approved Use of the Facility
a) The Hirer must disclose the intended use of the facility, including the nature of the function.
b) Council has the authority to deny access to a hirer where the activity is considered inappropriate for the venue.
c) Failure to advise Council of any of the intended use or type of the function may result in the forfeiture of all or any part of the bond.
d) The function must not be openly and/or publicly advertised without prior, written consent from Council. This includes advertising via the internet including social media and forums. Breach of this condition may constitute a prohibited use.
e) Bookings will not be accepted for 16th through to 24th Birthday parties or gatherings – no exceptions.
4 Fees and Charges
a) All fees and charges are reviewed and adopted annually and are subject to change. Fees and Charges will be updated on the website each financial year.
b) Payment methods are listed on the Tax Invoice supplied to you by the booking officer team.
c) Casual & One-off Hirers
Casual and one-off Hirers must pay the total outstanding invoice within 30 days of the issue date or 7 days prior to the event date whichever comes first. Once an invoice is issued the booking is a confirmed booking. Refer to cancellations for fees and charges should your booking not go ahead after it has been confirmed.
d) Regular Hirers
New Regular Hirers will be invoiced the first month in advance, If the booking does not go ahead, the full amount is forfeited. After the first month Regular Hirers will be invoiced monthly in arrears. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of the issue date. Non-payment of fees will result in cancellation of future bookings.
5 Bond
a) Key Bond is payable for all bookings and is charged per set of keys issued.
b) The Hire Bond payable is dependent on type of event and determined case by case at discretion of Council. If Hire Bond is applicable it will be invoiced and is payable at the same time as all other hire fees. Bond fees are in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees & Charges.
c) Council will refund the bond by Cheque in the name of the hirer and sent to the address of the hirer within fourteen (14) days after the key/ access card and induction pack has been returned and Council deems that the facility is left in a satisfactory condition.
6 Prohibited Use of the Facility
Council reserves the right to decline the application for hire if it constitutes a prohibited use of the facility.
Council may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving written notice to the Hirer, should it be deemed, due to any matter, that the intended use of the facility constitutes a prohibited use.
Prohibited uses of the facility include but are not limited to:
a) Any unlawful activities, including but not limited to, underage drinking, unauthorised sale of goods, unauthorised fundraising.
b) Functions that would be deemed offensive or discriminatory to the community or a section of the community, per the standards contained in the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
c) Any activities that Council deems to be dangerous, offensive, or unlawful.
d) Any activities that Council deems to place the attendees and community at risk of any physical or mental harm.
e) The use of any kind of pyrotechnics, fireworks, candles and smoke, or dry ice machines in any venue is strictly forbidden.
f) No pets or animals are brought to the facility except for assistance animals.
g) Any other activities that Council deems to be inappropriate.
h) The hirer must not make any changes, additions, building works to structure or grounds of the facility without prior written Council consent. Written consent is also required prior to installing or bringing new equipment to the site including items required as a result of grant applications.
7 Booking of the Facility
a) To book the facility, the Hirer must complete the online application form no less than 14 days, prior to the intended hire date.
b) The hirer must read all terms and conditions contained herein and signify their agreeance by completing the form and accepting the terms of hire declaration.
c) If the hirer is not covered by Council’s Public Liability Insurance (as per PLI section of application form), then the Hirer must provide Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance. A minimum coverage amounts of $20 million is required and an active ABN and/or ACN number.
d) Hirer must provide proof of identity in the form of Drivers Licence or an alternative form of photographic ID at the time of booking.
e) It is the responsibility of the hirer at their own expense to obtain any necessary approvals for the proposed use of the venue and to conform to all rules, regulations and conditions imposed and/or comply with all notices issued by any authority.
Cancellations and Amendments
a) Council reserves the right to refuse any confirmed booking or request, to cancel or relocate any hirer to another suitable centre if such action is considered necessary and reasonable.
b) Hirers may be asked to relinquish their booking because of an emergency, multi-day event, exhibition, election, maintenance, Council event etc., or to allow better use of all rooms within a community centre. If the alternate facilities cannot be found or are not suitable, the booking fee will be refunded. Where possible, a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice will be provided to the hirer.
c) Regular Hirers
- New regular hirers
New regular hirers will be invoiced upfront the equivalent of four weeks rental. If the booking does not go ahead, the full amount is forfeited.
- Regular Hirer Amendments
Regular Hirers must provide at least 10 business days written notice for amendments to bookings. Notice must be submitted to the community bookings team via email communitybookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Any amendment (excluding additional booking dates) made to your schedule must be requested in writing within the first 7 days of the month (for the next month). Any further amendments made after the first 7 days of the month are not permitted.
Amendments and additional bookings will be confirmed in writing and in accordance with the Terms of Hire accepted upon initial application.
- Regular Hire Cancellations
New regular hirers will be invoiced upfront the equivalent of four weeks rental. If the booking does not go ahead, the full amount is forfeited.
Regular Hirers must provide at least 10 business days written notice requesting cancellation, or otherwise relevant hiring fees will be payable. Notice must be submitted to the community bookings team via email to communitybookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
d) Casual/ One-off Hirers
- Casual / One-off Hire Cancellations
Casual one-off hirers must provide at least 10 business days written notice of cancellation to receive a full refund. Notice must be submitted to the community bookings team via email to communitybookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
If notice is given less than 10 business days prior to the hire date’, the Hirer shall forfeit hire fees as per Council’s adopted fees and charges.
- Casual / One-off Hire Amendments
Casual/ One-off Hirer changes to dates/ times must be made in writing at least 10 Business days prior to the hire date. Notice must be submitted to the community bookings team via email communitybookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Amendments and additional bookings will be confirmed in writing and in accordance with the Terms of Hire accepted upon initial application.
9 Access to Facility
a) When a facility is hired, the booking time requested must allow enough time for set-up, pack-up and venue cleaning. Extra time can be charged to the Hirer at an hourly rate, dependent on the availability of the venue prior written approval is required for request for extra time.
b) No discounts are given to set up and pack up time. All set up and pack up is charged at the approved hire rate. Overnight bookings such as exhibitions may not be charged from 10pm to 8am. This is reviewed by management on a case-by-case basis. Council is not responsible for equipment left in facilities overnight.
c) Hirers who access the facility by generating a security or council staff call out will be charged a $150 Security call out fee .
d) In the event that a facility is vacated earlier than the agreed conclusion time, no refunds or time credits will be issued.
e) If the Hirer enters the facility without prior approval before or after your agreed booking time, it may be deemed as trespassing and the appropriate authorities notified.
f) Council will provide the Hirer with instructions to access the facility and the appropriate keys/ access cards, alarm codes and induction information for the facility as applicable.
- One set of keys/access passes will be issued per booking number, additional keys/passes may be considered at the discretion of Council; additional keys will incur at an extra cost (per request) not inclusive of key bond which is payable per set of keys issued.
- Facility keys/passes must not be copied, cut, reproduced or shared by hirers.
g) If the Hirer arrives at the Facility and it is in an untidy state or there is visible damage, hirer must take photographs and email to Community Bookings Team, any safety or security concerns must be reported immediately to Council 24 hours a day 02 4306 7900.
h) Hirers are responsible for ensuring no one tampers with or props open Automatic doors, hirers will be charged for damage caused to doors because of improper use.
10 Cleaning and Storage Areas
a) The hirers must take photos of facility on arrival and departure for proof of condition of facility. (copy of photos may be requested if damage has occurred).
b) The Hirer must factor in cleaning of the facility within the hire period.
c) The hirer must bring their own cleaning products, including sponges, paper towels, surface sprays, detergent, and rubbish bags. A mop, bucket and broom are available for use at most facilities.
d) The Hirer must clean the facility adequately prior to leaving the facility and leave it in the condition that it was in when the facility was first hired; including but not limited:
- All tables and chairs to be cleaned and packed away neatly in the storeroom. Chairs to be stacked in lots of 10.
- Appliances are to be wiped clean.
- Any mess and spills are to be swept and mopped. Mop the floors with room temperature water only, no detergent.
- All internal bins emptied, and all rubbish to be placed into bins located outside where available. If outside bins are full or not available, excess rubbish must be taken away with the hirer upon departure.
- Kitchens and Toilets are to be left clean and tidy. Dishwasher must be emptied after use.
e) Do not use the sanitary disposal bins provided for garbage or soiled nappies.
f) Soiled nappies are not to be disposed of at any time in internal bins, this includes kitchen, rooms, and toilet bins. Please ensure to bring appropriate bags and dispose of in external bins as soon as possible.
g) No food items are to be left in the fridge after use & no perishable foods are to be left on kitchen benches. Facility fridges are inspected regularly all items left in the fridge will be disposed of.
h) Hirers who run children’s sporting activities must clean the walls and floors when marked by their use; or bring nets or other barriers to stop equipment, balls, or persons from causing marks or damage . Any damage to fixtures such as tv’s will be charged back to the hirer to cover cost to repair or replace.
i) The hirer is responsible for keeping all designated storage areas (where applicable) in a clean and tidy manner which does not encourage vermin such as mice, cockroaches, spiders, and ants. Once opened all food items are to be stored in a sealable storage container . If a fridge is located at the facility it also must be kept clean and tidy fridges are a shared space and must be treated as such.
j) Failure to clean the facility adequately will result in a cleaning fee, hirers will be invoiced accordingly, or cost will be taken from bond where applicable.
11 Leaving the Facility
a) The Hirer must lock all windows and doors, turn off all lights and electrical appliances (excluding the fridge) and activate the security alarm as per induction pack (if applicable), prior to leaving the facility.
b) If the Hirer is unable to activate the security alarm (where applicable), they must contact Council’s after-hours service on 02 4306 7900 or the Security control room for alarm issues on 1300 767 105 for assistance.
c) When the Hirer fails to secure the building, activate the security alarm, or generates a call out; a security fee of $150 (as per Council’s fees and charges) will be charged to the Hirer’s debtor account or deducted from the bond paid.
d) If the facility sustains any damage because of the Hirer’s use of the facility, Council reserves the right to charge repair fees to the hirer’s debtor account or keep the bond or part thereof to repair any damaged sustained.
e) Keys and induction packs are to be returned to Council within 3 business days of last booking date.
f) If returning the keys outside of business hours, prior arrangements must be made with the Community Bookings team.
12 Fire and Safety
a) The Hirer must familiarise themselves with the facilities’ displayed Evacuation Plan, including the location of emergency exit doors, prior to commencing use of the facility.
b) The Hirer is prohibited from the use of fire at the facility, including fire performances, barbecues (fire) etc. Gas barbeques with a hood may be permitted outdoors upon request no gas bottles are to be stored onsite.
c) Cooking appliances including pizza ovens, deep fryers or naked flame appliances are not permitted to be brought to or used at the facility under any circumstances.
d) Smoke machines and/or any other machines or equipment that may cause activation of the facility smoke alarm are not permitted to be brought to or used at the facility. Non-compliance will result in the Hirer being liable for Fire Brigade fees, should they attend the facility.
e) The Hirer and any attendees are not permitted to smoke within 10m of the facility or surrounding grounds (amenities buildings, carparks Tennis & Netball courts, Natural Reserves) and within 30m of playgrounds.
f) Fire extinguishers are provided at the facility as a requirement by law and must not be removed or misused. Misuse of this equipment will result in a fee charged to the Hirer’s debtor account.
g) The Hirer must inform Council if the fire extinguishers have been used in any way, during their use of the facility.
h) The Hirer is responsible for providing adequate first aid supplies relative to the nature of the facility use. First aid kits are not supplied; hirers may wish to consider bringing a first aid kit of their own.
i) The emergency contact number is “000” should the Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade be needed. If the emergency services attend for any reason due to the hirer/hiring, the full cost plus any administration charges will be paid by the hirer.
j) In the event of an accident or emergency the hirer shall contact Councils’ Contact Centre on 02 4306 7900.
13 Electrical Equipment
a) Any appliances brought to the facility by the Hirer, is responsible to have all electrical items electrically tested and tagged annually in accordance with council requirements & must not exceed the power ratings of the facility’s power outlets.
b) The Hirer is not permitted to change or interfere with the electrical systems at the facility, including the lighting and antennas at the facility, without prior approval of Council.
14 External Contractors and Entertainment (Jumping Castles, Decorators, Performers, Caterers etc.)
a) Jumping Castles/inflatables and Petting Zoos are not permitted in or around council community centres and facility’s
b) If the Hirer intends to use a business to provide service or entertainment by a 3rd party such as but not limited to, Equipment hire, Decorators or Caterers; the Hirer must request consent from Council.
c) It is the hirer’s responsibility to sight all approved contractor's current public liability insurance (minimum $20 million) to cover approved catering , entertainment, security, or any other service to be provided at the facility
d) It is the hirers responsibility to ensure, the appropriate use of the equipment at the facility.
e) Council is indemnified against any claims for any damage caused or associated with the use of equipment brought to the facility by the Hirer.
f) Council is not liable for any harm or injuries sustained by any individual who has used the equipment brought to the facility by the Hirer.
15 Alcohol & Security Guards
a) The sale of alcohol is only permitted for charitable organisations and to this extent, an application to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority for an Application for Limited licence- single function at least 28 days before the function. Refer to licence.nsw.gov.au for further information regarding regulations and fees. A copy of the Limited Licence- single function must be provided to Council prior to obtaining access to the facility.
b) Where guests are under the age of 21 Council requires assurance that there will be a ratio of one (1) adult over 21 years of age to every 10 guests under 21 (except for school concerts or similar events). The adult supervisors must be capable of maintaining order at the functions. Failure to provide this ratio of supervision may result in forfeiture of all or part of bond regardless of damages caused.
c) Should Council determine a static security guard or guards are required the hirer must provide Council with proof of security contractor engaged including copy of signed contract and paid invoice at least 1 week prior to booking date.
16 Decorations and Furniture
a) The Hirer can display table decorations and decorations that do not require attachment or affixing to walls and ceilings, at the facility.
b) The Hirer must remove any decorations at the conclusion of the event.
c) Failure to remove any decorations by the Hirer will result in a cleaning fee deducted from the bond or charged to hirers debtor account.
d) Helium Balloons are not permitted at any facility.
e) The Hirer must not attach streamers and balloons to ceiling fans.
17 Damages and Breakages
a) All breakages or damage to the facility sustained during the Hirer’s use of the facility must be immediately reported to Council’s Customer Contact centre on 02 4306 7900.
b) The Hirer will be liable for the full replacement or repair cost of any damage, breakages or loss caused to the facility, equipment, fittings, contents and the surrounding grounds, costs will be taken from hirers bond or invoiced to their debtor account.
c) Council reserves the right to retain the damage bond or invoice the hirer to cover the costs associated to repair the damage incurred.
18 Noise and Parking
a) It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that attendees of the event, do not park in a manner that obstructs traffic and/or access to driveways.
b) The Hirer is responsible for ensuring that noise is kept at an acceptable level and will be held liable should a penalty be issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW), as a result of complaints of excessive noise.
c) All amplified and/or noise will cease by 10.00pm Sunday to Thursday, 11.00pm Friday & Saturday and activities at the facility are to conclude by 11.30pm or as set out in your booking approval.
d) Unless otherwise provided, the operation of any plant or equipment installed on the premises must not cause the emission of noise that exceeds the background noise level by more than 5dBA (Decibels) when measured at, or computed for, the most affected point, on or within the boundary of the most affected residential premises in the vicinity.
19 Child Protection and Legislation
The hirer warrants to Council that:
a) It has or will, at all times that are relevant to this agreement comply with all of its obligations under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 and the Commission for Children and Young Act 1998 (both Acts hereinafter referred to collectively as “the Child Protection Legislation” and, in particular, will comply with those obligations during the term of this Agreement.
b) It does hereby, and shall forever, indemnify Council from and against all claims, demands, actions and suits (and costs thereof calculated upon an indemnity basis) arising out of a breach by the hirer of any of its obligations under the Child Protection Legislation and/or any of the warranties herein contained.
c) It will comply with all of the obligations of an employer in relation to new employees in accordance with the Child Protection Legislation.
d) He/she is not a prohibited person within the meaning of the Child Protection Legislation.
e) Insofar as it is aware, none of its existing employees are prohibited persons within the meaning of the Child Protection Legislation and has obtained prohibited persons declaration and has screened all of its current employees within the meaning of the Child Protection Legislation.
20 Personal Property andStorage
a) All goods and items brought to the facility by the Hirer are the personal responsibility of the Hirer.
b) Any items brought into the facility for the hire must be removed entirely from the premises at the end of the booking where storage space or cupboards have not been allocated.
c) Council does not accept liability for any damage or loss sustained to goods and items of the hirer.
d) All goods and items brought to the facility by the Hirer are excluded from Council’s insurance policy coverage.
e) Council is not liable and will not compensate the Hirer or any attendees for the loss or damage of any goods or equipment of the Hirer or attendees, or any subsequent loss or damage caused arising from the use of the facility.
21 General Obligations of the Hirer
a) It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that no pets or animals are brought to the facility except for Assistance Animals.
b) The Hirer must ensure that use of the facility is restricted to the purpose stated on the application form.
c) The Hirer must not sub-let the facility and Council staff must have access to the facility at all times.
d) The Hirer is responsible to induct all staff, clients and guests onto site in a professional and comprehensive manner.
e) Rights and obligations on the agreement or under this agreement are:
i. Not transferable without the express and written approval of Central Coast Council, which may be granted or withheld in Council’s absolute discretion.
ii. If the application is made on behalf of a group, company or other body, the person must have and produce evidence of authority to commit the group, company or body to be bound by these conditions and the obligations thereby imposed and will be jointly responsible with the group, company or body for compliance with the conditions and payment of all fees, charges or liabilities which are, or become, payable in respect of the agreement.
iii. In the event of default by the group, company or body, the person will be personally responsible for the noncompliance and/or payment of such fees, charges and/or liabilities.
iv. If the application is made personally, the person will be responsible for compliance with the conditions of payment of all fees, charges or liabilities which are or become payable in respect of the agreement. In these conditions, a reference to “person” or “persons” shall include persons, groups, companies or other bodies, whichever is appropriate.
f) The Hirer must not obstruct any law enforcement agency to access the facility during the period of hire and must cooperate with any instructions given with respect to the facility.
g) It is the responsibility of the hirer at its own expense to obtain any necessary approvals for the proposed use of the venue and to conform to all rules, regulations and conditions imposed and/or comply with all notices issued by any authority.
h) The hirer must seek approval for signage/banners to be displayed at the site. It is to be obtained from the Section Manager, Community Planning Services and Facilities and will need to meet size and location requirements set down for the facility
i) The Hirer acknowledges the appointment of the Manager, Community Planning Services and Facilities or it’s representative to regulate the hiring and exercise the powers of Central Coast Council in respect thereof and will comply with and reasonable requirement of such person.
22 Indemnification from Liability
a) The Hirer agrees to indemnify Council from liability for any loss, damage or injury sustained, to their goods or persons, or the goods and persons of those attending the function of the Hirer that may arise at or through the use of the facility.